How to Hike to Lago di Sorapis in the Dolomites, Italy

Hiking to Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis is the most uniquely-colored lake we’ve ever seen, so surreal it’s hard to believe it even exists. Its milky, vivid turquoise water stands out, even on gray days, making it one of the most popular things to do in the Dolomites, Italy. 

Getting there requires a challenging 2-3 hour hike each way, but the surrounding majestic mountains and lush alpine greenery make every step worth it. It was our favorite hike in the Dolomites! 

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What we also loved about Lago di Sorapis is that you really have to hike to get there—there’s no cable car or road access like at Seceda or Alpe di Siusi. Did you know? It’s actually a pretty remote place. Only a helicopter comes every few days to restock the mountain hut (refugio) with food and drinks, and the staff stay up there for months at a time.

What’s the Lago di Sorapis trail like?

Lago di Sorapis Trailhead and Parking

The trailhead for Lago di Sorapis lies just to the right of B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina (on SR48). You can find a large, free parking lot right next to it (here’s the location). We arrived early and parked along the road. Note: Make sure you don’t park in the hotel lots. 

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Here’s how the trail unfolds:

Part 1: The Route Up

The trail begins with a relatively flat gravel path that moves from the road into a meadow and then a forested area. Here, you might even spot grazing cows! We also really enjoyed the sweeping views of the Dolomites and pine forest that you have early on. 

After some time in the forest, you’ll reach a trail split. Ignore the left direction that says Valbona and instead take the right trail (number 215) to Rifugio Vandelli/Lago di Sorapis. This is the route we took and recommend.

Enjoy this section! Especially if you start the hike before sunrise, you’ll notice that the mountains on your left start to change color as you ascend. The sun will be cutting through the early morning mist, spilling its golden light onto the rocks. 

Part 2: Along the Mountains

Just before the 2-kilometer point, you’ll reach the first steep uphill climb. This is a good warm-up for what’s to come. Here, the views open up and you get to look out over the surrounding mountains and forested valley below. 

The elevation gain starts here, too, with a total of roughly 500 meters, so be sure to wear layers. You’ll warm up while hiking, but temperatures can drop as you gain altitude. Always bring: 

• A rain jacket
• Sunscreen 
• A hat 
• Proper hiking shoes (ideally waterproof, with good grip). 

Once you’re out of the forest, the path leads around the mountain along narrow ledges. These sections are exposed, and at times you’ll be doing some rock scrambling, climbing metal steps, or hiking along cliffs with metal railings to hold onto. 

Our thoughts: Though exposed, this part isn’t too dangerous. Some people call this a via ferrata, but it’s not an official one, and most hikers (like us) do it without a harness. It’s totally doable if you go slow and stay cautious, though not for the faint of heart; we saw some people turn around. Nick is afraid of heights and still managed to do it—just don’t look down too often!

Part 3: At the Lake

Survived that 2-hour incline? Amazing, you’re now at the top! Once here, you’re immediately rewarded with a breathtaking view of the vividly blue Lago di Sorapis, the majestic surrounding mountains, and alpine greenery.

Can you swim in Lago di Sorapis? No, you can’t swim here. This is to help preserve the lake’s delicate mineral balance and its incredible color.

But you can walk around the entire lake. This doesn’t take long and helps you find quieter spots and different angles for photos. We loved the view with flowers in the foreground, which made for such dreamy pictures.

There’s a refugio (mountain hut) just a few minutes’ walk away where you can enjoy a hot chocolate, apple strudel, or lunch—the perfect reward after the hike. 

Part 4: The Way Down

After soaking up the beauty on the mountain, it’s time to head back down. The return hike takes about 1,5 hours, mostly downhill. Keep an eye on where you put your feet, as the gravel can be slippery (especially when tired). 

When we hiked down around 10:30 AM, the trail got noticeably busier with hikers coming up. Since the route is narrow in many places, be prepared to pause frequently and let people pass.

Is the Lago di Sorapis Hike Difficult?

The hike to Lago di Sorapis is moderately challenging, with some narrow and exposed sections along the trail. However, it’s manageable for most people with decent fitness and good shoes. The stunning turquoise lake at the end makes the effort absolutely worth it.

• Total kilometers: 11.6 km (12.7 km as a loop)
• Time: 3 – 5 hours
• Elevation gain: 460 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate—suitable for most hikers.
• Route type: in-and-out
• Trail type: Gravel path with steep and rocky sections.

How to Get to Lago di Sorapis

The trail to Lago di Sorapis starts at Passo Tre Croci, a mountain pass on the SR48 road. The exact trailhead is just about 50 meters east of the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina, making it easy to find.

By Car

Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach the trailhead. From Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s only about a 15-minute drive along SR48. If you’re coming from further:

• Dobbiaco (Toblach): ~35 minutes (30 km)
• Misurina: ~15 minutes (10 km)
• Venice: ~2.5 hours (160 km)

Parking is available right by the trailhead, either along the roadside or in the small lot beside the hotel (here’s the location). In peak season, spaces fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early in the day.

By Public Transport

Don’t have your own transportation? From Cortina d’Ampezzo, the local Dolomiti Bus runs to Passo Tre Croci in summer (Line 30/31). The journey takes about 20 minutes, and the bus stops directly at the hotel, just steps away from the trailhead. Make sure to ask your hotel for the bus schedule. 

Where to Stay Nearby 

We based ourselves in the small town of San Candido (Innichen) at Naturhotel Leitlhof. This beautiful spa hotel has incredible views, three pools, a sauna, and lies close to some of the best sights. However, a hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Misurina, or Dobbiaco (all located near Lago di Sorapis) is also a good option.

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Hotel Bellaria

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Hotel Natale

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Baita Fraina

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Dolomiti Lodge Alverà

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Best Time to Visit

The Lago di Sorapis trail is generally open from June to September. However, depending on the weather, you could also go in May/October. We hiked to Lago di Sorapis in early July and started at 7:00 AM to beat the crowds.

It’s officially an in-and-out route, so if you start later in the day, you’ll likely find yourself in a slow-moving train of hikers, which makes the experience less enjoyable.

• Start the hike between 6 and 8 AM, so you’ll have a peaceful, quiet, and cool route up. You’ll also have magical views of low-hanging clouds and soft sunrise colors. 
• In summer, you could also do the hike in the late afternoon to skip the crowds. Start 4,5 hours before sunset so you’re back down before it gets dark. 
• Don’t do this hike on rainy days. Some parts of the trail are already slippery on dry stone, so we imagine it gets dangerous in wet conditions. 
• Visiting in spring or fall? Also check for snowfall at higher elevations. 

Quick Tips for Hiking Lago di Sorapis

• Drones are not allowed here (this is a recent rule change).
• Leave no trace: Even fruit peels should be packed out. Help preserve this beautiful place.
• Wear good hiking shoes. The trail is uneven, and you’ll be scrambling over rocks at different points. Hiking poles aren’t necessary, but many people brought them. We did the hike without and felt totally fine.
• Refugio Vandelli accepts cards, but bring some cash just in case. You can also find toilets here, fill up your water bottles, and go for a nice brunch/lunch break. 
• Bring layers, proper shoes, a rain jacket, and sunscreen — even on cloudy days. The weather in the Dolomites can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared.
• If you have a fear of heights, just be prepared that there are some sections along the Lago di Sorapis hiking trail that run along a cliff. There are chains and railings to support you. 
• Bring at least 1 liter of water per person. You can refill at the Refugio once you get to Lago di Sorapis.